Internet at the Library

Internet Access

The Louisville Free Public Library provides access to the Internet on computer workstations available at every Library location. We offer this service to advance the Library’s education mission as a provider
of information and life-long learning.

The Internet contains valuable and varied information
resources. It is an unregulated, global information network with materials that reflect a variety of points of view. Internet sites change quickly and unpredictably. For these reasons, the Library cannot guarantee the availability, accuracy
or reliability of content for Internet sites other than those directly maintained by the Louisville
Free Public Library.

The Library uses a filter to limit access to sites containing sexually explicit materials. The Library
does not screen content for language, points of view, or ideas. Users are encouraged to notify Library staff of sites that may have been unnecessarily blocked, and of sites which a user believes meet the filtering criteria.

Policy Statement

There are uses of the Library’s computers that are considered unacceptable and constitute a violation of this policy. These include, but are not limited to:

Attempts at unauthorized access to the library computer system or any other computer system.

Sending harassing messages to other computer users or impersonating
another user.

Soliciting meetings with or personal
information from minors under age 17 via e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; providing such information or agreeing to such meetings without parental
consent if under age 17.

Providing personal or private
information about others via e-mail or chat or to Internet sites.

Altering or attempting to alter the Library’s computer settings.

Violating copyright laws and software
licensing agreements.

Using the computer for illegal activities.

A user violates this policy by his or her own action,
or by permitting another to use his or her account to access the computer network or the Internet. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the forfeiture of the user’s right to
access these computers.

Guidelines for using library computers and the Internet

The Library is pleased to offer computer-based services for our patrons. The demand for use of the computer workstations may exceed the available
supply. To promote fair and equitable access
for all users, the Library may establish time limits and sign-up sheets for workstations. Users
may be asked to limit their computer session when others are waiting to use a workstation.

Printing is available from Library computers for a fee. If you have questions or need assistance, please ask Library staff for help.

Staff will provide limited instructional assistance for all users. Users needing additional training
are encouraged to sign up for basic Internet classes offered at all Library locations.

Specialized instruction is also available at Computer
Learning Centers located at the Main, Shawnee, Iroquois, and Southwest Branches. Call 574-1611 for information.

Children and the Internet

As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians,
not Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 17 years.) Parents are responsible for their minor children’s use of the Library’s resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.

These safety tips are for all ages:

Do not give out any information such as
your address or telephone number.

Never agree to meet face-to-face with someone you “met” online without first checking with your parents or guardians.

Never respond to messages that make you feel uncomfortable.

Remember that people online may not be who they seem. It is easy for some one to misrepresent him or herself
because you cannot hear or see the person.

Remember that everything you read
online may not be true.

The Library has links to fun and educational Web sites for children and teens.